Why It's So Important for Doctors to Get It Right

When it comes to diagnosing an injury or condition, doctors
must ensure that they are getting it right every single time. They must properly
recognize symptoms, order the correct tests to confirm their original
prognosis, and diagnose the proper ailment.

Failure to do so puts patients in significant danger.

How important is it for doctors to get it right? Well, if they’re
wrong in their diagnosis of a patient, they run the risk of a number of
problems arising. Here are some of the things that could happen as a result
of a misdiagnosis.

The Condition Can Worsen

If a condition is misdiagnosed, it means the doctor is missing something
that could be crucial. This means that the doctor ordered incorrect tests,
missed a serious problem, and because of these errors, the doctor did
not take the needed steps to help the patient heal or recover.

As a result of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, many conditions are left
to worsen. Depending on the situation, this can be life-threatening and
individuals could be significantly harmed—or even fatally hurt—should
certain injuries or conditions go unrecognized.

The Potential for Incorrect Treatments and Medical Errors

When a misdiagnosis occurs, it could lead to the patient receiving medical
treatment or medication that they do not need. For instance, a misdiagnosis
may result in surgery on a patient when he or she didn’t need to
undergo the procedure, potentially causing even more injury.

Also, if a prescription is given to the patient after a misdiagnosis, it
may mean the patient is taking medication they do not need. Even worse,
it could be a medication the patient is allergic to, or that causes adverse
effects when mixed with another medication the patient may already be taking.

When someone is hurt as a result of medical malpractice, our team at Spangenberg
Shibley & Liber LLP is ready to stand up for their rights. Our
Cleveland medical malpractice lawyers work hard to help those in need when they need it most.